What is Acrylic Solid Surface?

Are the overwhelming choices of countertop material making you restless? Consider the refreshing option of acrylic solid surfaces. Whether you are building furniture, sanitary products, wall tiles, or signages, acrylic solid surfaces will find a place in your raw material. It's a durable, budget-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing material that comes in sheets to provide perfect, seamless builds that speak modernity.

The wide variety in colors, compositions, thicknesses, and lengths can compel someone to select an acrylic solid surface for their builds. However, purchasing one is a long-term decision. Considering the severity of the decision, analyzing all types, and understanding what is best for your workplace, home, or healthcare facility can lead to a satisfactory experience. So, let's start exploring!

Acrylic Solid Surface Brief Introduction

Acrylic solid surface is an evolution of DuPont's first-ever solid surface material, Corian. It was introduced in 1967 and marketed as suitable for kitchen and bathroom applications. However, product applications grew with time, and now, acrylic is practical in everything from countertops to medical equipment.

The chemical composition can vary depending on the type of acrylic solid surface. The critical component remains resin synthesized with acrylate or methacrylate as the main monomer. Dr. Otto Rohm developed this thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic in 1901. DuPont later fused the resin with material from bauxite ore to form a solid surface. There are different types of acrylic solid surfaces:

● Texture Pattern Solid Surface

● Modified Acrylic Solid Surface

● 100% Pure Acrylic Solid Surface

● Translucent Solid Surface

Why Use an Acrylic Solid Surface?

There are many reasons to include acrylic solid surfaces in your next renovation or build project. Acrylic solid surfaces provide durability and thermoforming capability, allowing the development of unique shapes. The construction looks flawless and compatible with modern and contemporary design styles. Here are the top reasons to choose an acrylic solid surface:

● Non-Porous Surface: Goodbye to Stains, Bacteria, and Mold

Acrylic solid surfaces are resistant to stains and marks caused by liquid spills. Their non-porous surface does not allow liquid to penetrate and cause permanent damage. Only a tiny amount of soap mixed with water keeps the surface clean and shining like the day you got it installed. Owing to its non-porous surface, bacteria and mold cannot grow, and cleaning becomes convenient.

● Seamless Construction: Premium Flawless Looks

Chemical bonds and adhesives are convenient for solid acrylic surfaces. They join easily to form a seamless connection. The resin, being the main component, allows for a continuous surface when joined by a technician. Using chemical bonds can cause two acrylic sheets to form a bond at the molecular level, which then undergoes polishing and finishing to create a unified look.

● Bendable (Thermoforming): Unique Design and Reduced Waste

A skilled installer can bend an acrylic solid surface sheet into unique shapes by applying decent heat. Cutting and joining acrylic solid surface sheets at the edges is unnecessary. The result of its thermoforming capability is reduced waste with an excellent finish. Skilled fabricators can bend solid acrylic surfaces into unique shapes and designs that are otherwise impossible in stone.

● Light Weight: Convenient Transport and Swift Installation

Acrylic material has a density of around 1500kg/m3 (94lb/ft3). A marble or granite has a density of around 3200kg/m3 (200lb/ft3). If we take a 3-meter long, 1-meter wide, and 12mm thick solid surface of both materials, then acrylic would weigh 63kg, and marble would weigh 115kg. Acrylic solid surfaces are more accessible to carry and transport. Installation of acrylic material is convenient and requires lighter support.

● Ease of Maintenance: Sand, Buff, and Polish Away Scratches

Did you accidentally drop something sharp on your brand-new acrylic solid surface? It's not a problem. There is no need to apply an expensive treatment layer or coating. All you need is a fresh buff, and you are good to go. There is no need for any chemical or time-consuming treatments.

● Enhanced Safety: Does Not Shatter or Break

Unlike glass or marble, the edges of acrylic solid surfaces do not break away under impact. Unlike other materials, it is challenging and withstands loads. However, shattered glass can be a safety hazard for homes with children.

● Heat Resistance: Use Near Heat Sources

Acrylic solid surfaces offer moderate heat resistance compared to lamination, polyester, and blend. The glass transition temp acrylic is 252 °F (122 °C), necessitating trivets. It can handle decent heat, allowing users to install it in locations near heat sources.

Acrylic vs. Other Solid Surface

We must explore all our options to comprehend the need for acrylic solid surfaces. It will shed light on why they are superior for widespread use. There are mainly four types of solid surfaces:

◀ Granite or Marble: Scratch Resistant but Brittle

It is one of the most ancient materials with historical significance in our modern lifestyle. Although granite and marble have different properties, both are naturally occurring rocks on Earth. Each undergoes a different process to reach its final composition. Granite is tough and more durable than marble. However, marble has aesthetics that are otherwise impossible in granite. Granite is heat resistant and does not easily etch like marble.

Do acidic liquids like lemon juice, coffee, soda, and tomato sauce instantly damage your solid surface? You may have a granite or marble countertop. Both are porous materials that can instantly damage in an acidic environment. The material is brittle and instantly breaks or cracks on impact. Compared to acrylic solid surfaces, thermoforming is not an option with natural stones. However, they perform better against scratches, heat, and UV light.

◀ Polyester: Affordable but Susceptible to Scratches

Polyester looks similar to a solid acrylic surface. However, it has critical characteristics that make it different in performance. The polyester resin, fillers, and pigments form the polyester solid surface. Polyester is less expensive, which makes it an attractive option for low-budget builds.

However, polyester is susceptible to scratches and chipping compared to acrylic solid surfaces. Thermoforming is also not an option with polyester, as it can damage easily against high heat. The seams of the acrylic solid surface are not visible, whereas the polyester seams are visible.

◀ Blend: Combine Polyester and Acrylic

As a user, if you want acrylic scratch, heat, and chemical resistance while having the color option and budget-friendliness of polyester, then a blend solid surface should be your choice. It combines the positive aspects of both materials. Merging the affordability of polyester with the strength of acrylic material makes it an excellent option for mid-range builds.

◀ Quartz: Manmade with Natural Stones

Another name for Quartz is “Engineered Stone.” The final form of quartz does not occur naturally. The naturally occurring Quartz crystals are extracted from the Earth and crushed. Resins, pigments, and binders are mixed with 90-95% quartz crystals to form a solid surface. It provides better resistance to chipping, scratches, and heat than acrylic. Compared to an acrylic solid surface, engineered stone has some porosity, requiring occasional sealing to prevent stains.

◀ Laminate: Multi-Layer but Vulnerable

If you are looking for extreme affordability, laminate is the way to go. Manufacturers create them by using layers of multiple materials. It has a particle board that is protected using plastic kraft paper at the core. On top of the kraft paper is the decorative layer that has the design the user requires. Finally, a transparent melamine layer protects the design layer. Laminates are great if you aim to renovate now and then. However, they lack longevity and durability in comparison to acrylic solid surfaces.

Here is a quick comparison in tabular form:

Applications

The flexibility and superior surface finish make acrylic solid surface ideal in workplaces, medical facilities, homes, fitness centers, and hospitality. The applications are endless as their use depends on the user's creativity. Here are some of its applications:

● Furniture: Tables, Seating, Storage, and More

Modern furniture needs a sleek, artistic element that appeals to the eye. Acrylic solid surfaces' thermoforming capability enables the crafting of flawless-looking table tops and chairs. Skilled workers can manufacture closets or storage cabinets for homes, fitness centers, or medical facilities.

● Bathroom: Sanitary Products

The non-porous surface of acrylic solid surfaces prevents mold and bacteria from growing. It is ideal for places with high hygiene requirements. Manufacturers use its thermoforming capability to produce bathroom countertops, shower walls, bathtubs, shower pans, vanities, and other accessories.

● Arts and Design: Trendy Interiors

Interior designers can utilize acrylic solid surfaces to produce sculptures, light fixtures, wall hangings, or other creative projects. Like natural stone and mosaics, acrylic solid surfaces are available in various colors and designs. Their versatile colors make them ideal raw materials for interior design.

● Partitions and Dividers: Open Atmosphere

Partitions and dividers are standard in offices or homes to create an atmosphere of privacy. Acrylic solid surfaces are light and challenging, which is ideal. Acrylics make it convenient to develop open yet divided rooms.

● Laboratory Countertops: High Hygiene and Chemical Resistance

Owing to the high hygiene characteristics of acrylic solid surfaces, they are the ideal material for forming laboratory countertops. However, lab users must protect the acrylic solid surface from petroleum-based products, ammonia-based chemicals, and acidic material.

● Whiteboards and Dry Erase Surface: Education and Offices

Besides furniture and countertops, acrylics are ideal for whiteboards and dry-erase surfaces in education. Jolting down ideas and sharing valuable information between pupils and undergraduates is best with a surface that remains steadfast against scratches or damage.

Acrylic Solid Surface Thickness

Manufacturers produce acrylic solid surfaces between 6mm and 30mm. High-end manufacturers can produce acrylic solid surfaces with a tolerance of 0.5mm. It allows for a perfect surface finish with exquisite quality for premium builds.

The thickness can be a vital factor in selection, as thicker material is hard to bend during thermoforming but excellent for flat countertops. Users can opt for different thicknesses depending on their applications. Here are the major categories of acrylic solid surface thickness.

❖ Bendable and Thin Sheet (6mm-12mm):

❖ Balancing Weight, Durability, and Aesthetics (12mm-15mm)

❖ Extra Strength and Substantial Look (15mm-30mm)

FAQs

1. How to clean Acrylic solid surface?

A warm, soapy solution is the best and most gentle way to clean an acrylic solid surface. If scratches damage the surface, use sandpaper, buff, and polish for effective results.

2. Which household chemicals can damage acrylic solid surfaces?

Avoid petroleum-based chemicals such as WD-40. Ammonia-based cleaners or highly acidic cleaners can also damage acrylic solid surfaces. Oven cleaners can also etch the surface. So always try your cleaner inconspicuous area before applying it to the main surface.

3. Where can I use a solid acrylic surface?

Acrylic solid surfaces have wide-scale applications. Artisans can use it for furniture, decorative elements, bathroom sanitary products, storage cabinets, wall fittings, trendy ceilings, dividers, whiteboards, and more.

4. Is marble or granite better than acrylic solid surface?

Naturally occurring marble or granite is ideal against scratches and chips but is heavy and easily etched with chemicals. Marble and granite surfaces are high maintenance, whereas acrylic solid surfaces are non-porous, thermoformable, lightweight, and easy to maintain.

5. What are the precautions for using a solid acrylic surface?

Acrylic solid surfaces are low-maintenance. However, use trivets and coasters to avoid heat damage. Use gentle soap and warm cleaner. Use a cutting board and avoid dropping sharp or heavy objects. Keep away from direct sunlight.